This is the dramatic moment tourists stuck on a frozen lake were rescued in India after the ice cracked beneath them.

Four holidaymakers plunged into the freezing cold water when the icy surface suddenly shattered at Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh on January 5.

Footage shows the hapless vacationers extending their arms high as they shout for help.

Upon seeing their situation, local men rushed to assist them, using ropes to hoist the victims back to the surface one at a time.

After a laborious rescue mission, they successfully retrieved all the tourists.

Local media reported that the victims did not sustain any serious injuries from the incident.

Government officials continue to warn visitors against venturing onto frozen lakes, as it poses a significant risk to their safety.

Victims immersed in cold water can develop hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia can be diagnosed by measuring a person's core body temperature.