North Shore Rescue saves two people searching for missing Liang Jin

North Shore Rescue said two people had to be rescued after they went in on their own to search for 21-year-old Liang Jin.

The resident of downtown Vancouver, who also goes by the name Leon Joy, has been missing since New Year's Eve, but rescuers aren't happy with Jin's family for taking matters into their own hands.

"The family arranged for two young men to go in and search for Mr. Jin on their own. And they went into the closed area, the dangerous area on their own and we basically had to go in and get them out," said North Shore Rescue spokesperson Doug Pope. 

North Shore Rescue suspended its search on Tuesday due to treacherous conditions and a lack of information.

Jin has sent his father a text message that day saying he was heading out on a hike, but didn't mention where he was headed.

Pope said a helicopter had to be used to get the two young men out of the area. He advised people who want to help to follow NSR's instructions and not go into dangerous or closed-off terrain. 

Jin is described as Asian, five feet six inches tall, with a slim build. Police say he may be carrying black Salomon brand backpack with white stripes on the straps.

On Wednesday, NSR tweeted an elderly couple snowshoeing near Yew Lake on Cypress Bowl might have seen a man who was on his way to Lion's Bay, B.C. on the Howe Sound Crest Trail. They're hoping that couple comes forward.

Anyone who has seen Jin is asked to call 911 immediately.