Missing Long Island teen Emmarae Gervasi found on boat in Islip after being month-long disappearance
A Long Island teen who vanished when she got into an unknown car outside her home was found safe aboard a boat on Friday, ending her family’s nearly month-long nightmare.
Emmarae Gervasi’s family feared that the 14-year-old was being held against her will when she disappeared from their Patchogue home around 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2024.
Gervasi was last seen walking out of her house without a jacket or shoes on and getting into a black car, according to Greater Long Island.
Security cameras captured her knocking on doors at a Bohemia motel the next day, but she disappeared again.
On Friday she was found on a boat in a marina near the White Cap Fish Market in Islip.
The marina is located 13 miles west of Patchogue.
Police said Emmarae is in custody and in good health.
Frank Gervasi said his prayers were answered when police found the teen after 25 days, but did not disclose how Emmarae ended up on the boat.
“I found Emma!” he wrote. “Prayers answered.”
The elder Gervasi said “God gave me a gift today” as he shared a post from the “Together Against Trafficking” Facebook group giving more insight into his daughter’s discovery.
“To address any misinformation: Emma was found in Islip by her father, thanks to a crucial tip. She was not there willingly, and she was overjoyed to see Frank Gervasi when reunited,” Stephanie Rae wrote.
The post indicated an ongoing investigation involving multiple people.
“We deeply appreciate the support and efforts of everyone who helped us find Emma. The love and kindness you’ve shown will mean so much to her once she’s able to process everything,” Rae concluded.
Friends, family and community members formed search parties to look for Gervasi.
Additionally, the Gabby Petito Foundation reached out to Long Island organizations to raise awareness of the missing teen, News 12 reported.
Over the past month, Frank Gervasi pleaded for help on social media and searched for leads into his daughter’s appearance himself, driving around Long Island.
On Thursday — the 25th day since her disappearance — the heartbroken father recorded a video message directed at his daughter.
“Emma, if you hear this video, we love you very much,” he said. “We miss you, and we want you to come home.”
Emmarae’s mother Melissa Dervay said a weight was “lifted off my body” when the intense search ended.
“The moment I heard her voice and knew she was OK, I felt a weight lifted off my body,” Dervay told Greater Long Island. “I’ve been so tense for the past four weeks, quietly fighting a battle. Now, I’m elated. I feel light, and I just want to scream, ‘She’s OK. She’s been found.’”
