On 27 October 1997 , the barrier was damaged when the dredger MV `` Sand Kite '' , operating in thick fog , collided with one of the Thames Barrier 's piers .
An incident that was potentially catastrophic for London occurred on 27 October 1997 . The dredger , MV `` Sand Kite '' , sailing in thick fog , collided with one of the Thames Barrier 's piers .