The bodies of Peter Ray, 56, a plumber, and Lixin Wang, in her 60s, a remedial massage therapist and the owner of a registered brothel owner, were discovered aboard Ray’s luxury yacht, Taloha, at Tunks Park marina in the Cammeray suburb of Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday night, July 31, 2024. The deaths have prompted an extensive investigation by New South Wales police.
The 47-foot yacht, valued at $300,000, was found with the deceased lying in the cabin. Ray, who purchased the yacht in 2022, had spent 18 months renovating it.
Police were alerted by a friend who had not heard from the pair since Monday. Initial checks by emergency services detected fumes onboard, suggesting a potential gas leak, which is one line of inquiry, along with the presence of illegal drugs found at the scene.
Detective Inspector Siobhan Munro stated, “The cause of death is not obvious, and so all evidence is being considered, and all information will be taken on board. Nothing is being discounted at this time.”
The vessel’s registration had been renewed just weeks prior, indicating Ray’s preparation for entering the yacht in the upcoming Airlie Beach Race Week, an annual sailing event held in the Whitsunday region of Australia. He had also planned to relocate to Queensland shortly.
Wang, known for her business endeavors in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was identified through records as the owner of The Flamingo Club. She and Ray reportedly had an on-and-off relationship, and their deaths have raised questions about the circumstances leading to their demise.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities continue to investigate whether foul play was involved, given the absence of physical injuries on the bodies.
The case has drawn significant attention, with police urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. The Taloha yacht, once a source of personal ambition and leisure, is now a central piece of a perplexing and tragic mystery.
Andrea, Ray’s ex-wife, praised him as a dedicated father to their three children, who are 29, 27, and 19 years old.
