With the Bay of Bengal stretching endlessly around her, Prapti Sah, a young and determined Geoscientist from Cairn has embarked on a groundbreaking journey. At just 25, she’s the only woman from Cairn currently sailing aboard the Atlantic Guardian, a state-of-the-art survey vessel operating in the deep
waters of the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin.
Prapti is part of a select group of young geoscientists leading one of the first 3D Controlled Source Electro-Magnetic (CSEM) surveys ever undertaken in India. This effort is part of Cairn’s strategic partnership with Norwegian company EMGS to gather advanced seismic data for exploration into the deepwater basins. Spanning a vast survey area of over 3,600 square kilometres, and reaching depths of 500 to 2,500 metres, this high-tech operation involves injecting low-frequency electromagnetic waves into the seabed to map subsurface resistivity. The result? Rich, detailed insights that will support smarter, safer drilling decisions as India pushes forward in its quest for energy Aatmanirbharta.
Sailing alongside her is Sanskar Saraf, another young geoscientist, who represents a new wave of talent driving technological advancement at Cairn. Working in shifts around the clock, this dynamic team is at
the forefront of India’s offshore energy exploration, bringing new data and new perspectives.


Reflecting on her experience, Prapti shared, “It’s been both challenging and thrilling to be on the ship. There are days when we work 24/7, handling operations and making managerial decisions. When we started, the climate shift and motion sickness were real tests, but now, more than 10 days into the survey, it’s clear that this effort is part of something much bigger. We’re proud to contribute to India’s energy
future.”
Prapti’s journey is more than just a professional milestone, it’s a symbol of how the oil and gas sector is evolving. In a field historically dominated by men, her presence offshore highlights the increasing participation of women in STEM and serves as a powerful reminder that no dream is too ambitious.
Contributed by Prapti Sah, Sanskar Saraf and Wellverse Team
