"He did all the prep but when it came to planning the trip and working out how we were going to manage it once he hit the water, well that became my responsibility.
"My job was to look after him each day and to set objectives, like paddle a certain amount. I monitored him 24/7 for 84 days."
The decision to abort on Friday had been a decision "not made from emotion", but based on standard operating procedures they had drawn up well in advance, to manage various scenarios. "We discussed it between the two of us, but at the end of the day it was my decision," Mr Escott said.
"That was always the plan that we would talk about it and we would have plenty of time to talk about it. His life wasn't in any danger at the time, but if we hadn't taken action, then it potentially could have been. You can't wait until it's too late - you're playing with his life."
He wasn't worried about the rescue mission because he was in contact with Donaldson and the pilots. It had been a "calm operation" and he was able to talk with Donaldson up until the helicopter crewman arrived at his cabin door.
"It's pretty gutting that he didn't finish but very pleasing that he's safely with his family. To me, he didn't fail.
"If it had ended differently it would have been irresponsibility on my part."
Donaldson called Mr Escott "gold".
"He was the most competent man for the job and delivered accordingly. I never felt in any danger because I had a ground crew like him.
"Between us we were always making decisions. He gets it. A lot of people don't but he does."
