In a distressing incident from northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, villagers struggled to rescue cows stranded in a swamp on the banks of a river.

The incident took place in Kudraha village of Basti District and the video went viral on September 24.

Videos showed the cows stuck deep in the swamp while locals, submerged up to their knees in mud, made strenuous attempts to save them. The cows were slipping repeatedly, making it difficult for both the animals and rescuers to maintain their footing.

According to reports, the cows had been trapped for three days without food or water. Although villagers made attempts to free the animals as soon as possible, they remain stuck as of the latest update.