The bodies of plumber Peter Ray, 56, and Lixin Wang, a remedial massage therapist in her 60s and owner of a registered brothel, were found on Ray’s luxury yacht, Taloha. The yacht was docked at Tunks Park marina in the Cammeray suburb of Sydney, Australia, and the discovery was made on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024. The New South Wales police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the case.
The yacht, a 47-foot vessel valued at $300,000, was discovered with Ray and Wang’s bodies located in the cabin. Ray, who bought the yacht in 2022, had spent a year and a half restoring it.
A friend who had not been in touch with the pair since Monday alerted the police. Upon initial inspection, emergency services found traces of fumes on the yacht, pointing towards a possible gas leak. This, along with illegal drugs found on the scene, is being investigated.
According to Detective Inspector Siobhan Munro, “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.”
Records show that the yacht’s registration was renewed just a few weeks ago, suggesting that Ray planned to participate in the Airlie Beach Race Week, a yearly sailing event held in the Whitsunday region of Australia. He was also reportedly planning to move to Queensland soon.
Wang, who was noted for her business ventures in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was identified as the owner of The Flamingo Club through records. Reports suggest she and Ray had a sporadic relationship, raising queries about the circumstances leading to their death.
An upcoming post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are continuing to probe whether there was any foul play involved, given the lack of visible physical injuries on the bodies.
The case has garnered substantial attention, and police are urging anyone with information to reach out to Crime Stoppers. The Taloha yacht, previously associated with personal aspiration and relaxation, has now become the center of a baffling and tragic case.
Ray’s ex-wife, Andrea, has spoken of him as a devoted father to their three children, aged 29, 27, and 19.
