Bhola: Eight people, including four children, died and 20 went missing as a trawler carrying around 100 passengers capsized in the River Meghna in Monpura on Thursday morning.

Six of the deceased were identified as Aysha Begum, 65, Jasmine, 22, her daughter Rupa, 3, and three other minor children --- Ronny, 2, Tanju, 3, and Tahmina, 3.

Police said the trawler from Kalatoli Abashan Bazar Ghat sank near Ramnewaz Katar Khal area in the river around 11:30 am due to inclement weather.

Locals said the trawler sank as a crack developed at its bottom due to the heavy impact of heavy wave and wind.

Later, the bodies of five people, including four of children, were recovered from the river.

Besides, locals rescued 15-20 passengers from the river and 15 of them were admitted to Monpura Hospital while 20 remained missing.

Dr Amitav Dey, duty doctor of the hospital, said among them, 11 were admitted to the hospital while the rest were given first aid.

Later, three more bodies were also retrieved from the river, said Monpura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

Deputy Commissioner of the district Selim Reza said Coast Guard members have been asked to launch a rescue operation to trace the missing people.

Besides, he said, an amount of Tk 20,000 will be provided to the families of each deceased while Tk 5,000 each of the injured victims.

The capsized trawler was salvaged from the river by local people.