A 91原创 diver who aided in the rescue of 12 Thai boys trapped in a flooded cave last year was honoured in his home town on Monday night by 91原创 Township鈥檚 mayor and council.
鈥淐oming home and being able to share with my family is always an honour of mine,鈥� said Erik Brown, a D.W. Poppy graduate who become a professional diver and dive instructor.
Brown was at the Township Civic Facility 鈥渟o we could recognize him as a true 91原创 hero,鈥� said Mayor Jack Froese.
鈥淲e鈥檙e extremely proud of what you did,鈥� he told Brown.
READ MORE: 鈥楴o surprise鈥� 91原创 rescue diver stepped in to help, says brother
Brown, a resident of Thailand where he has a dive business, was one of dozens of divers who rushed to the Tham Luang cave complex in June of last year, after a team of 12 young soccer players and their coach were trapped by rising waters caused by monsoon rains.
鈥淭he whole world was holding its breath,鈥� noted Froese.
The boys were trapped on June 23, but between July 8 and 10, all of them were successfully rescued by an international team that included more than 100 divers.
Brown worked long hours in the dark, cramped confines of the cave to help set up and assist with the complex rescue procedure.
鈥淵our bravery is truly remarkable, your community and the world thanks you for returning these young boys to their families,鈥� said Froese.
Brown noted he was glad to be able to share the moment with his family and people from the street where he grew up. He noted former councillor and longtime 91原创 educator Charlie Fox had taught him how to change a tire.
Brown has been speaking about the cave rescue, travelling, and still living and diving in Thailand, he said.
READ MORE: Plenty of heroes in Thai cave rescue, says 91原创 diver
