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VANCOUVER — A British Columbia-born diver who braved perilous conditions to help save 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand is the kind of man who always helps others, says his older brother.

Erik Brown grew up in Langley and owns a diving company in Thailand. His brother says when the 35-year-old saw that the boys were trapped, he didn’t hesitate to join the rescue team.

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“That’s just who he is. He didn’t have to tell me why. I know the man pretty well,” said Kirk Brown, 39. “I’m not at all surprised he was involved to the degree he was and was able to help.”

Erik posted a photo of himself earlier this week with other divers on Facebook with the caption, “9 days. 7 missions and 63 hours inside Tham Laung Cave. Success.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked the B.C. man for his participation in the rescue in a post on Twitter.

“The Thai cave rescue was a team effort, and I’d like to congratulate and thank Langley’s Erik Brown for stepping up to help get the job done — you’ve made Canadians proud,” Trudeau wrote.