An Oxford student who helped rescue 15 colleagues after a fatal rowing accident in Spain has spoken of his mixed feelings after being presented with a top bravery award.

St Anne's College medical student Hugh Wright, 23, received the Royal Humane Society's silver medal at a ceremony in London on May 9, in recognition of his actions on the River Ebro at Amposta in December 2000.

Mr Wright, a member of the Oxford University Lightweight Rowing Club, swam across the river after freak weather conditions and winds gusting up to 90mph caused their boats to overturn during a training exercise.

He also tried to save Leo Blockley, 21, who died after being swept away, before swimming 100 metres to shore to raise the alarm.

Mr Wright, who lives in Summertown, said he was pleased to be receiving the award, but also remembered the sad circumstances.

"It's a real honour to get recognition in this way, although the circumstances were not that happy and unfortunately someone died," he said.

"I sometimes do think about what happened. It was such a significant event it is hard to forget.

"On occasions I do remember what we went through and what it was like in the rough waters."

The parents of the rower who died in the tragedy, Jane and Stephen Blockley, from Ashton-under-Lyne, also attended the award ceremony along with Mr Wright's family, from Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Mr Wright, who is preparing for his finals in two months' time, was recommended for the award by Dr Jonathan Price, of the Warneford Hospital, who was one of the coaches at the camp.