A Patchogue father on Saturday spoke for the first time about the safe return of his missing daughter.

As News 12 previously reported, 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi was found safe Friday afternoon aboard a large boat just off main street in Islip near the White Cap Fish Market and Seafood Restaurant.

Gervasi had been missing since December 9th.

"I did find her myself before police got there. It was 26 days of hell seeing her alive in my arms. It was a gift from God. I can't describe the feeling I had when I grabbed her," said Frank Gervasi, Emmarae's father.

Gervasi tells News 12, that his daughter is currently recovering at a hospital.

The case remains an active investigation.