The 'Well of Hell' sinkhole in Yemen - in pictures

  • The 'Well of Hell' sinkhole in Al Mahra governorate, Yemen. All photos: Oman Cave Exploration Team
    The 'Well of Hell' sinkhole in Al Mahra governorate, Yemen. All photos: Oman Cave Exploration Team
  • The Omani team headed to Yemen to explore the site and find out if some of the folklore associated with the area had any substance.
    The Omani team headed to Yemen to explore the site and find out if some of the folklore associated with the area had any substance.
  • ‘Some say it is where apostates and non-believers are tortured after death,’ says caver and geologist Mohammad Al Kindi.
    ‘Some say it is where apostates and non-believers are tortured after death,’ says caver and geologist Mohammad Al Kindi.
  • The intrepid team found cave pearls that shone through underground waterfalls.
    The intrepid team found cave pearls that shone through underground waterfalls.
  • Some people believe the real location of the Well of Hell lies elsewhere in Yemen.
    Some people believe the real location of the Well of Hell lies elsewhere in Yemen.
  • Although some have claimed to have visited, there was no sign of human encroachment at the bottom of the hole.
    Although some have claimed to have visited, there was no sign of human encroachment at the bottom of the hole.
  • Mohammad now plans to visit the Hadramout region in Yemen to see if a similar sinkhole could hold the secrets of the underworld.
    Mohammad now plans to visit the Hadramout region in Yemen to see if a similar sinkhole could hold the secrets of the underworld.