Boat Race reserve umpire Sir Matthew Pinsent says it was correct to continue racing in spite of a rogue swimmer and a broken Oxford oar that gave Cambridge victory.
Multiple Olympic gold medallist Pinsent, who pointed out the swimmer to umpire John Garrett, said after the incident-packed158th race: "I think any race official, your first priority is safety, both for the competitors and the public at large.
"As soon as it was obvious to us that there was a guy swimming in the water then it's no choice; you stop the race because a rowing shell probably moves at 15-18 miles an hour. It would be almost a lethal blow to someone's head if they are in the water and that's unthinkable."
The swimmer was detained by police, although it was not immediately clear whether he was a protestor or a joker.
After the restart Oxford lost an oar in a collision with Cambridge, who then eased away to win.
At the end of the race Oxford bowman Alex Woods collapsed and had to be lifted from the boat and taken to hospital.
